What Does It Take to Go Pro? Alumni Coach Remi Dujardin Shares His Story

There's something special about coming full circle. For Remi Dujardin, that circle brings him right back to where it all began—the very fields where he once played as a student, now standing on the sidelines as a coach.

After graduating from FIS in 2015, Remi went on to play professionally in the US and Europe before returning to Hong Kong in 2022 to give back to the community that shaped him. We sat down with him to talk about his journey, what it means to wear the school colors again, and the moments that have stayed with him along the way.

Tell us a little about yourself, your professional career, and your time at FIS? When did you attend, and when and how did you start coaching our students?

I attended FIS from Grande Section all the way to Terminal. After graduating in 2015, I accepted an academic and football scholarship to get my university degree in New York. It was a very good opportunity for me to play football at a high level and also get a Bachelor of Business Administration at the same time. After completing my studies in 2019, I pursued football full-time and spent 2.5 years in Europe, playing in Spain, Finland, and Albania. It was an amazing experience to see how football is played in the most elite environments.

After a challenging experience trying to establish myself in Europe, I decided to come back home to Hong Kong in 2022 for a fresh start and that is when I started coaching my alma mater.

How did the school's approach to sports and academics help you pursue a professional career?

The balance between academics and athletics at FIS taught me discipline, time management, and resilience. I’m grateful to have been in an environment where I was pushed to excel in and outside of the classroom. That mindset prepared me for the demands of professional football,  where you’re expected to excel in multiple areas at once and stay mentally strong even when things get challenging.

You once wore the school colors as a student. Now you're guiding the next generation wearing them. How does that feel?

It feels full‑circle. Seeing the boys and girls compete for FIS and putting everything on the line is extremely rewarding, and I’m very proud of their passion and hunger. I still remember the days playing with my classmates under the leadership of Mr. Lassus as we were fighting to get promoted from Division 3 to Division 2. Growing up, those were some of my best memories.

Today, the school is in Division 1, and it is a privilege for me to shape and inspire the new generation. The opportunity to learn from Mr. Day daily is also something I am very grateful for. 

Why was it important for you to come back and give back to the community?

After studying in the US and seeing how the alumni played a huge role in school culture, I felt it was only right to give back to the FIS community. I think it’s important that the next generation feels the same support that I did growing up, and it is also a way for me to say thank you to my former teachers. 

With so many ECAs available at FIS, what role do you think sports and extracurricular activities play in a student's overall education?

ECAs play a massive role in helping students connect with others and find their passion. They give students an opportunity to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication, which are crucial skills that they can apply in the real world.

Is there a moment with the students—on or off the field—that has stayed with you?

There are many, but one that stands out was winning 3rd place in the 2025 Jing Ying Tournament and celebrating with the 250 students, parents, and teachers that were present in the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. We made school history that day.

If you could say something to your younger self, sitting in class here, what would it be?

I would tell my young self to enjoy the FIS experience more and not dwell too much on the future. I’d definitely make more use of the high-level resources that I had access to during my time at FIS.